How To Ride (small) Berms Like a Pro: The Ride Series MTB Skills Clinics Rich Drew

Riding berms is something that many mountain bike riders have trouble with. Let's breakdown my technique using some of the best berms in Bentonville and see if it'll help you conquer these pesky trail features. Are YOU ready??
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Well, not sure how much more I can write here that wasn't covered in the TWENTY NINE minutes of PART 1 of this topic! Why so long? Well, I just think there's a ton of information that needs to be covered and I also just talk A LOT!
If you noticed in the title, I added (small) into it because I think it's important to delineate between large, bike park style berms and smaller berms like this. Bentonville is filled with small berms like this, as are many other places. There are many similarities to what we talked about with flat turns, but I've added in some specific things for dealing with berms.
Vision is always key and you must look ahead as much as possible. Seeing as far ahead as possible will slow things down and have you better prepared to deal with what's next.
KEEP YOUR. HIPS CENTERED! I see too many people come into turns just like this (in this exact spot actually) and let their hips creep back. This makes it very difficult to effectively get the bike and your weight in the proper position. I've said it many times, the bike is designed to work with the riders center of mass over the center of the bike!
ENTER HIGH!! Don't get scared and creep down into the bottom of the turn. If there is any sort of berm at all, USE IT!!
As far as pedal position goes, try level and inside up, let me know which you prefer. I've tried both ways IN SITUATIONS LIKE THESE and I prefer inside foot up. It just helps me get my hips in the right position and I'm comfortable this way. I won't argue what anyone wants to do here, so you do you!
Again, I know this one is long but I just feel like there is a ton of information that needs be conveyed. Hopefully it helps, drop some comments and let me know what you think.
BIKE: Specialized Epic EVO Expert Size L (I'm 5'10) www.specialized.com/us/en/epi...
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[@AndreLaurentMTB]

Trying to explain that outside leg straight, lean the bike into the turn while keeping your body over the tire contact points eludes some people. Great session. The old style trails had no berms so it was super important to get that lean right so your outer tire knobs would bite in and do their job getting you around corners without scrubbing speed. Now with all the berms, riders stay stiff and ride like muppets duct taped to the frame. The centripetal force keeps them leaned and speeding around high bermed corners. It's only when they hit a low berm or flat corner with too much gomentum that all hell breaks (and the tire grip) loose.... Disaster... Keep up the good work! Stress less, ride more!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

"Stress less, ride more," I love it!!

[@AndreLaurentMTB]

@@richdrewtherideseries lol. These days it's how we deal up here in the Great White North. Stay safe.

[@aniabugaj873]

Rich, loved that video ! The slow motion parts on the end showed exactly your theory! More slow motion examples so we can see you point. Love it!!!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thank you Ania! We're gonna work in more slo mo and graphics moving forward.

[@nigelrandtoul8646]

Sessioned my usual trails today after watching your video. Found pedal position not only dependant on berm speed but also profile. Tight berms generated that weight that was too much for outside down, even at moderate speed. Now it's ingrained in my head it's quite natural switching from pedal down and level according to the been shape and speed. Ended up having the best days riding for a long time, as a result of your video - thanks Rich

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Heck yeah, that's awesome!

[@josebrotons4594]

Videos are always really goods. Incredible all the important points you put in light. Big thx for your great Job from France. And thx for sharing it

[@bijano7320]

I’m recent to MTB and watching all your vids. Very classy to give your guest time to discuss her project. Great tutorial.

[@adamweb]

This is the best explanation of body and pedal position for berms that I've seen, thank you!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Adam! Glad you dig it man!

[@joeshawcroft7121]

one of my biggest problems is starting low but also breaking during the turn. I'm working to break those bad habits. Thanks for the videos!

[@BikeLifewithRob]

I agree, I ride more corners with outside pedal down. Also for more traction, on a left hand corner I keep more weight on the ride hand on the handlebar.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Rob! There's so much nuance to it, that's why corners are so fun and challenging.

[@TheButlerNZ]

@@richdrewtherideseries In theory... if we're lowering the bike in the berm, we should be pushing harder ion the inside palm, to stop the castor effect wanting to turn in tighter (As the bike will turn into the lean). This one comes to light when explaining to race bike riders that they are actually turning LEFT into a Right hand corner (and vice versa) because you ride the bike out from under you, and as you start to fall over, catch the fall and follow it with the steering... Another neat one to try... Ride on the road, dead straight and balanced... push the left handle forward lightly (i.e turning the bars to the right) and the bike goes right... but you don't... and to stop yourself from falling over, you'll turn back as you fall... and off to the left you go...

[@glensmall9194]

Nice intro by Bricktop from the movie Snatch. Another good workshop. Thank you Maestro. Best wishes from New Zealand.

[@TGM_Offroad]

Thank you for another great videos and info as usual.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

You are very welcome!

[@johnwest4788]

Love your videos! Can I make a suggestion? When you are explaining what someone did with body position etc, could you have the video edited to show the event in slow motion while you describe it? I sometimes get lost and don't understand the dialogue. Thanks!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey John! Great input my man. You'll start seeing that soon.

[@skinny8019]

i see how the extra technique applied made her smoother at a faster pace...she is rolling $$

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I agree 👊🏻👊🏻

[@epicshangrila]

Beautiful explanation

[@SansibarRacing]

Wow. This was fantastic! To be honest and blunt, I was about to skip after some 3 minutes because I thought wtf ... dude is only talking stuff, and how awesome his clinics are. Luckily I didn't exit, you surely know your bike kung fu. Plus that's what I like as a great mix of instructing and coaching, plus being open for other approaches. Really, really dig the session. Too "bad" I'm in Europe. Thanks for sharing!

[@sipz5901]

that trial looks beautiful!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

It's such an awesome place!

[@stuartj2773]

As usual, like before watching

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Heck yeah!!

[@TURBLUE998]

I really enjoy your content…I think it’s your guys passion to want share your knowledge that makes it genuine!!! My goto videos are yours and RIde MTB. Kyle’s berm technique is level pedals and you guys outside pedal down. I struggle with turns(riding 1500-2000kms a year). I’ve tried both techniques and find remembering to cycle pedals requires more thought process between berms. Do you always ride outside pedal down in fast flowy berms? Wish I was closer to attend your clinics!!! Thanks🤙🙌

[@jbahn324]

Another killer video rich! - From the weird guy who sold you coffee in Webb city

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Jared!! I'll be back for more coffee soon!

[@mountainlessmtb9940]

Rad video thanks 🤘

[@richdrewtherideseries]

You are very welcome!

[@AeroPrixma]

I needed this, i've been struggling with berms for awhile. for the longest time i blamed the build and wheel size but it honestly is just bad technique. This will help me alot

[@richdrewtherideseries]

So cool to hear! Let me know if it helps.

[@davidwhite9817]

She did really well.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

She did! Brittany is very coachable, that helps.

[@JamesRobertMTB]

Sweet tips dude !

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks James!

[@morpheus6d9]

You are a great instructor ... you really need to try and make it to the East Coast next yr

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Wes! I'd love to make it out there.

[@SuperBaker1985]

22:57 when she totally checks out of the forward/rear bias chat

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Just re watched, so funny!

[@jonpei4778]

Nice!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Jon!

[@manuelcobian2355]

I like your videos 👍👍💯💯👋

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I like you Manuel! ;)

[@tiagoweyne6661]

Nice intro!!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Thanks Tiago!

[@JD-dw3jp]

I feel like the pedals level vs outside pedal down debate is missing the forest for the trees. If you use equally weighted feet then pedal position takes care of itself. Ride through the berm with the bike perpendicular to the surface then you're pedals will end up level. Ride through with the bike leaned at a greater angle than the berm and the outside foot drops (like a balance scale). Lean angle will depend on the shape of the berm and foot position is just a side effect not the goal IMO.

[@Hardcaslte]

That's a pretty interesting description of how it works, super accurate. Which is exactly why on flat turns you have to put your outside foot down because the bike is leaning so far down compared to the flat ground.

[@Duckhead3000]

finally someone who understands basic physics

[@TheButlerNZ]

@@Duckhead3000 Gravity is a myth.. The Earth sucks.

[@Duckhead3000]

@@TheButlerNZ indeed. cheers.

[@fnfmartins]

What’s the little blue thing near to your bar. And if it is a cellphone holder what kind?

[@TheButlerNZ]

Rich.. Do the initial video premier live chat comments turn up, or do they disappear into the either?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I don't think they show up here.

[@TheButlerNZ]

@@richdrewtherideseries Shame, some interesting comments came up.. that are gone like the tread on my old Foes Gazzaloddi's

[@marc-oliviert.8349]

You’re the first I heard talking about the incidence of the pedal forward when riding berms flat paddle. How we decide wich one is in front ?

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey there! I'd imagine it's gonna be dominant pedal forward. I'm gonna do some research soon at Trestle bike park

[@mrsmartypants_1]

Marc-Olivier T. Like with hands a person usually has a dominant foot. For mountain biking my right foot is naturally dominant (goofy footed in skateboarding parlance). As such for jumping, big berm riding, and steep downhill my right foot is forward (and heel dropped) Right foot forward regardless of a left-hand or right-hand berm turn. I believe most folks ride this way - whichever foot is dominant is forward. Like skateboarding or surfing folks naturally pick which foot is more comfortable forward and then stick with it. (With that said I did spend a year purposely alternating which foot was forward in jumps and such in order to become more ambidextrous. In case I was ever caught in a split second high consequence jump situation with the “wrong foot” forward. But that’s a discussion for another time.)

[@marc-oliviert.8349]

Pete West thanks for the info ! I am a right footer too

[@TheButlerNZ]

it could be just me... but I find I have my inside foot forward and switch with the switch (often a 1/2 turn back pedal) ... so that is... Left foot forward into a left berm, 1/2 pedal right foot down as I straighten up into the right berm, ending with my right foot forward... This of course can give issues if your running multi front sprockets and your in a gear that likes to do odd things with the rear gear set when back peddling... Then again I'm 50+ and if you look at my meagre offerings of video... not the fastest either. (It was so much easier on a trail bike with a motor) ! (Although thinking about that.. you then had your lower leg off the peg, as far forward as you could get it, to weight the front wheel.... More bad habits I have to re-train going from powered to free-ride through obstacles... q8)

[@TheButlerNZ]

@@richdrewtherideseries I'm semi ambidextrous.. so that may affect my comment... but I find I lead in with my inside forward... I haven't tried keeping one foot forward.. might make a flow through a zig zag set... Perhaps while trying, you could give my habbit (be it good or bad) a shot... Back pedal 1/2 a turn with each turn.. It could also be a motorcross thing where I keep my inside foot high so if the bike (or rider) gets into difficulty, I can lift the inside foot off and forward for the "Trail bikers stomp" (thats where you loose the front, stomp the ground and put your foot back on the peg and the split second more you gain in not hitting the ground gives the front wheel time to regain grip...) You could experiment with that by trying to lift your foot off the inside pedal with it forward or back.... Haven't tried that myself... might be interesting (At least for onlookers that want a good laugh)

[@TheButlerNZ]

If you want some one the DOESN'T look "Too Good"... pick me.. (oh wait, other side of the world). My issue is actually over turning and crossing to the inside of the track on the exit (Still on the outside as I exit, but still turning). Maybe I was loading a little on entry... Getting better anyway...

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I think we've all been in this position. It just takes some time to get comfortable with the proper positioning.

[@TheButlerNZ]

@@richdrewtherideseries One think I will give over biking (for instance I have a Giant 'Faith' for riding mediocre downhill)... the extra suspension allows you to look at the track ahead, more than at the front wheel. I could do the dark blue tracks in Wellington (NZ) on my ol Avanti Barracuda) but was picking a line between every rock... on the Faith I can just blaze on over anything so its just down to my pathetic style and slowly building confidance.

[@dano727]

She's Cute !

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I'll tell her you said that ;)

[@outdooractivist]

Is that the specialized epic evo?

[@kinlochholmes8352]

1:50

[@richdrewtherideseries]

It is, very cool bike! We're actually in Breckenridge now getting ready to film with it a bit. Gonna test that "down country" capability.

[@seandooley4881]

Soooo.... how is the 2021 Epic Evo doing in Bentonville? I just picked mine up and was thinking of heading out there. Wasn’t sure if it was under biked or not for the area.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Sean Dooley Hold tight Sean, uploading the “first ride” video now. However, it’s not in Bentonville...it’s from a little place called Breckenridge!

[@seandooley4881]

Rich Drew Nice! I guess I jumped the gun a little. I will wait it out. Can’t wait to hear your opinion. Great vids!

[@richdrewtherideseries]

@@seandooley4881 Haha, no worries man. This was actually my buddies bike I borrowed for this shoot. Mine arrived the next day and we headed out to Colorado to shoot and do a couple TRS Clinics at Ruby Hill Bike park in Denver. Video will be up soon, be sure to drop a comment/question on there about it's ability to handle Bentonville.

[@manuelcobian2355]

How many bikes do you have 👍😀

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Manual! I have quite a few in my possession, but I own very few of them. Thankfully I'm in a position where various manufacturers, shops, and random people make sure I have plenty of bikes to ride.

[@manuelcobian2355]

@@richdrewtherideseries 👍happy new year and God bless you thanks for everything

[@michaelneef574]

How many Bikes do you own?? lol

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I don't "own" that many, but I have quite a few ;)

[@dasanoneia4730]

she feels military

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Haha! I dont think she is.

[@manuelcobian2355]

Can you come to San Diego California to tech us for free 😀😀

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Hey Manuel! I'd love to come to San Diego, however, teaching for free is gonna be a tough one ;)

[@rafaelagudelo5962]

Try the YT jeffsy $2900, I will appreciate the output

[@richdrewtherideseries]

I'll see what I can do.

[@lbckevin]

You talked way too much. Its hard to follow.

[@richdrewtherideseries]

Kevin Smith I agree. I’ve told myself to shut up many times, but I never listen 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@AceGoodheart]

From a constructive criticism stance I agree. It's too much info to take in and register, but I also think that while you're teaching us show examples as you're talking and do it in slow motion. That way it'll help us visualize what you're trying to teach.